What is a PNF Plan?
In NSW, Private Native Forest (PNF) is regulated under Part 5B of the Local Land Services Act 2013. Before undertaking private native forest, landholders must obtain an approved Private Native Forestry Plan (PNF Plan) from Local Land Services (LLS).
Compliance with Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice
As well as having an approved PNF Plan, private native forestry operations in NSW must comply with the relevant Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice (PNF Codes). The Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice are statutory documents that guide private native forest operations in NSW. They set minimum standards for harvesting forests in line with ecologically sustainable forest management and provide specific requirements for environmental protection.
There are four PNF Codes in NSW which are tailored to specific regions and forest types across NSW, including:
- Northern NSW
- Southern NSW
- River Red Gum Forest; and
- Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests.
Why do I need a Private Native Forestry (PNF) Plan?
A PNF Plan ensures an ecologically sustainable forest management plan is in place, mitigating habitat impact on plants, animals, soil and water for a minimal impact on the ecosys. Once provided, it is valid for up to 15 years.
View the Local Land Services PNF Information Pack for further details.
How do I get a PNF Plan?
Sustainable Forest Management can take care of this process for you as a part of our complimentary service.
Approval is usually a multi-stage process. Firstly, we apply for a Draft Private Native Forestry Plan on your behalf. Then the Local Land Services perform several searches, including ownership; Threatened species; Threatened Ecological Communities; Wetlands; Old growth or Rainforest mapping; Aboriginal Cultural Heritage; Heritage Sites; Conservation Agreements; and Local Council Zones under the Local Environment Plans. Once the PNF Plan has been approved, we work with you and one of our Sustainable Forest Management contractors to plan the forestry operations on your property. The ‘paperwork’ side of this primarily involves the production of a Forest Management Plan (FMP). Again, this is completed and submitted to the Local Land Services by our team on your behalf.
If you are keen to get started now, simply provide authority for us to apply on your behalf by reading and completing the Draft Private Native Forestry Plan.
What is a Forest Management Plan?
A Forest Management Plan (FMP) describes the proposed forestry operations within your Private Native Forestry Plan area.
The Forest Management Plan map, template and guidelines will be provided with a Private Native Forestry Plan approved by Local Land Services once the PNF Plan has been approved. Before starting your Forest Management Plan, we ensure we know your region or forest type, amongst several other attributes, as this assists in creating a good working plan that considers the relevant environmental and operating conditions.
The plan includes mapping and written information describing the forest and proposed harvest and management activities and practices. Once complete, we submit the completed Forest Management Plan to Local Land Services, responsible for approving it. A signed copy of the Forest Management Plan must be available on-site during forestry operations and with the harvesting team.
Who is responsible for the PNF plan?
The Local Land Services are responsible for the approval of PNF Plan applications. The Environmental Protection Agency is monitoring compliance within the PNF Plan-approved area.
Where do I start?
If you are considering harvesting your timber, need a hand with a PNF Plan (Logging Approval), or just want some advice on what is best for your forest, contact us today at 1300 367 378. Alternatively, use our contact form. We’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about our sustainable forest management services and how we can help you maintain sustainability and biodiversity for the wildlife and climate.
